A broad swath of wintry conditions is expected to hit the United States through the weekend, moving from the Southwest through Texas and Oklahoma, through the South and the Tennessee Valley. It will eventually reach the mid-Atlantic coast.
Tens of thousands of accidents occur during snow and sleet conditionsaccording to federal auto regulators. In 2023, police reported approximately 101,390 winter weather-related traffic crashes, of which 22,293 resulted in injuries and 320 were fatal, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
NHTSA maintains an ongoing list of safety tips for drivers in hazardous conditions. This guidance is especially critical as a potentially severe winter storm threatens more than 35 states and places millions of people under winter storm watches.
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Tips from NHTSA on how to stay safe in winter driving conditions:
The motor regulator has said the most basic advice to stay safe in dangerous weather is to slow down as it is harder to control or stop a vehicle on a slippery or snowy surface. Another simple but crucial step is to increase the following distance from vehicles in front so that you have enough time to stop.
It is also important to keep a safe distance from a snow plow and avoid driving alongside the truck.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says slowing down is one of the most important things drivers can do in winter weather. (Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
“Snow plows move slowly, make wide turns, stop frequently, straddle lanes and leave the roadway frequently. If you find yourself behind a plow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if passing the plow,” NHTSA said.
Tire pressure also decreases when the outside temperature drops. It is therefore important to ensure that each tire is inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. This will be listed in the owner’s manual and on a label located on the driver’s side door frame.
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In 2023, police reported approximately 101,390 winter weather-related traffic accidents. (Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
It is important not to inflate tires to the pressure stated on the tire itself, as this is the maximum pressure the tire can handle, not the recommended pressure for the vehicle.
In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines use more energy to start, and the range of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles can be reduced when temperatures drop. It is therefore important to have a mechanic check the battery, charging system, belts and any other necessary repairs or replacements.
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Tens of thousands of accidents occur in snow and sleet conditions, according to federal auto regulators. (Chase Castor/Getty Images)
What to do in an emergencyIf the car stops or stalls due to bad weather, drivers should stay focused on themselves, their passengers, the car and its surroundings.
It is also important to stay with the vehicle and not overexert yourself.
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The vehicle must be seen if it is broken down, so it is important to place light markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on.
It is very important to watch out for carbon monoxide poisoning. Drivers should make sure their exhaust is clear of snow. They also only have to operate their car sporadically, just long enough to stay warm.
Drivers should not drive their car for long periods of time with windows open or in an enclosed space.